“This is about those we have lost,” said Johnson, who was with her husband, Bobby. “It’s not about barbecues.”

Ruth Piretti, of Ridge, who was supporting her daughter and son-in-law, both marchers, said the parade was “beautiful.”

Following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mastic Memorial on Montauk Highway, a procession of first responders and fire trucks went from the memorial to the Mastic Fire Department on Mastic Road, where a service honored the department’s departed members.

“Memorial Day is to honor those who have served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Mastic Fire Chief and Suffolk Legis. Rudy Sunderman. “And it’s important to teach our children what Memorial Day is all about, so they understand and recognize [veterans] and thank them for their service.”